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G.W. Caldwell - Founder
Caldwell and Cowan Funeral Home |
In 1910, G.W. Caldwell opened an "undertaking place" in Gay, Georgia. He had a store where he sold groceries, and decided to open a casket storehouse. The caskets were stored and assembled in the storehouse, and there was an area where the interior casket beds and trim could be installed. During those early days, Mr. Caldwell had no practical experience with embalming. However, as the need continued to grow, he quickly learned the skill and began offering the service in the deceased family's home. During that time, he was the only mortician in the area, and his "undertaking practice" proudly served both white and black families alike. Later he incorporated his first hearse, which was horse-drawn, into the business. As the business began to grow and thrive, Mr. Caldwell partnered with his cousin Joe L. Estes. After a few years though, Mr. Caldwell decided to sell the business to Mr. Estes. For the next few years, he shifted his focus to farming.
Lewis Caldwell |
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In very early 1920, R.E. Everett, the owner of Everett Funeral Home in Covington, Georgia was in need of an embalmer. G. W. Caldwell was recommended to him by an acquaintance. After an interview, Mr. Caldwell rushed home to discuss the new opportunity with his wife. She agreed to move to Covington, with the stipulation that they would move back to Gay, Georgia if the family did not find happiness there. In February 1920, the Caldwell's moved to Covington.
Later, during a time when G.W. was ill and unable to work, Mr. Everett was forced to hire another embalmer. After recovering from his illness, G.W. unfortunately found himself without a job. It was at this time that he decided to open his own funeral business in Porterdale, Georgia. After several years in business, he was joined by his son, the late Lewis D. Caldwell.
In 1939, G.W. and Lewis Caldwell officially opened G.W. Caldwell and Son Funeral Home on Floyd Street in Covington - the current location. Although the building has been added to and the interior has been remodeled several times, it still maintains its original charm.
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Sam and Ruth Cowan |
In 1948, G.W. Caldwell became ill again and was unable to continue in the business. His son Lewis actively managed the funeral home and kept it growing and thriving. Around 1950, Sam Cowan joined the business as a partner. This relationship kept the business in the family as Sam Cowan was the husband of Lewis' sister, Ruth. It was at this time that the name of the funeral home was changed to Caldwell and Cowan Funeral Home. Mrs. Ruth Cowan also worked in the business and performed many jobs, including secretary and beautician. Lewis' wife, Leila Mae (Bonnie) Caldwell, was a piano teacher and used her talents to play for many of the funeral services conducted at the funeral home. The family was struck with its own tragedy in November of 1957 when G.W. Caldwell passed away.
Lewis Caldwell and Sam Cowan continued to work together until 1975, when Lewis' son, Judson, who was already involved in the business, purchased his father's half of Caldwell and Cowan, and became partners with his Uncle Sam. Judson and Sam worked together until 1991, when Judson purchased Sam's portion of the business
and became the sole owner. Judson and his wife Ginger now operate Caldwell and Cowan Funeral Home, Inc.
Judson and Ginger Caldwell |
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The funeral home has grown and changed over the years, but the main focus of Caldwell and Cowan is still, as it always has been, to offer compassionate and professional funeral services to the families we serve. Our goal is to be the best funeral home in the area, not the biggest. To that end, we now offer an Aftercare program to help survivors cope with grief and grief-related issues. We have a grief library containing books, videos, brochures, and other helpful resources. In addition, we now offer special programs, such as the Candlelight Memorial Service and the lighting of the Memory Tree. These community-wide events help to reinforce our commitment to the Covington community.
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